'We lost purpose when son died - we don't want it to happen to others'

Matthew Lock was a bright, funny teenager who won fans on television by sharing his love of vacuum cleaners as a regular guest on ITV's This Morning programme.

In May 2023, he was elected as a Labour councillor representing Maghull and Lydiate, the Sefton community in Merseyside he loved, and where he knew everyone.

But in September that same year, aged 19, Matthew (known as Matty to his friends) took his own life.

His parents, Christine and Richard think his decision to end his life was an impulsive one - which they believe was linked to his ADHD.

Their campaign for earlier diagnosis of the condition and a deeper understanding of the link between ADHD and suicide has lead to an invitation to meet ministers in the department of health.

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Around 1 in 20 children are estimated to be impacted by ADHD globally and, according to the NHS, symptoms of usually start before the age of 12.

They involve a person's ability to pay attention to things, having high energy levels, and their ability to control their impulses.

Christine Lock said that Matthew had been diagnosed with autism, but for many years she suspected he also had ADHD.

She said she noticed "he's not finishing his homework, he can't quite plan like other children can, but he's bright as a button, he's talented, he's creative".

She said education and healthcare professionals "pushed back" and said "he's fine, he's fine, he's meeting all the milestones" but Christine believed "there were small indications and traits that things weren't completely right".

She added that there was a "lack of understanding and lack of awareness of the full extent of the impact of ADHD".

She said that "even specialists didn't really understand the significance of the condition and the links between suicide and addiction".

Matthew's parents say it took years for the ADHD diagnosis to be made.

They have called for more support for early diagnosis of ADHD and more awareness of the link between ADHD, impulsive behaviour, addiction and suicide.

The Locks have already been part of an NHS task force trying to speed up diagnosis, improve treatment and raise awareness of its potential route to addiction and mental illness.

The couple have set up a charity, dedicated to "education and raising awareness".

Richard Lock said "We've lost a purpose in our life without Matthew. Matthew was our only child."

"We've got nothing to live for now, but we see the pain and we see the suffering that other people are going through and we want to change that - that's a legacy for Matthew," he added.

Last week, the Locks were in parliament to hear their local MP Bill Esterson lead a debate on ADHD diagnosis.

Esterson had known Matthew well through local politics, and said he imagined the young man could even have become an MP himself one day.

The Locks said watching the Westminster Hall debate had been "incredible and emotional and encouraging" and the experience of actually being in parliament had been "overwhelming".

Christine said: "I never thought for one minute we'd be here. I only wish we could have sorted this out and Matthew could have been here representing."

MPs from across the country spoke in the debate about their own experiences of living with ADHD, the long waiting lists for diagnosis in some areas and the improvements some experienced while taking medication.

Dr Zubir Ahmed who responded to the debate on behalf of the government paid tribute to the Locks and said: "NHS England has worked closely with Richard and Christine to revise content on the NHS website, and has included separate, tailored content on ADHD for adults, children and young people.

"The website also specifically highlights the increased risks of suicide and addiction in those with ADHD, it signposts anyone who might be struggling to find urgent help and support, and has updated wording to reflect lived and clinical experience."

He invited the couple into the Department for Health to meet him and the mental health Minister, "to see how we can go further faster".

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